Tomic relishing Open showdown with Federer

Date: January 11 2013

Darren Walton and Guy Hand

Three days out from the Australian Open and Bernard Tomic has one eye on Roger Federer and the other on his maiden ATP trophy.

Tomic on Friday night was trying desperately to keep his steely focus on Kevin Anderson and Saturday's Apia International final in Sydney - but admitted it was almost impossible not to think about his potential third-round Open showdown with Federer.

If Tomic takes down Argentine Leonardo Mayer first up in Melbourne, he is likely to face Slovakian 27th seed Martin Klizan for a fourth career shot at the great Swiss.

And with seven straight wins already this summer, including one over Open titleholder Novak Djokovic, Tomic refuses to believe he can't beat the 17-times grand slam champion.

"But the tennis I've been playing now, if I can win (on Saturday), it's different approaching the Australian Open.

"It's different, especially beating the No.1 in the world last week and coming in so confident.

"If I can get that one more match under my belt and have eight matches, it's a different feeling.

"If I get to Roger, it's going to be a interesting match.

"Last I played him was in Cincinnati (last August) where I think he won the tournament. I lost to him in the third round, 6-2 6-4, close match.

"I think I've improved quite a bit."

Djokovic on Friday said Tomic had all the tools required to "come to the top" - but urged the 20-year-old to maintain his "no fear" attitude in order to fulfil his potential and Australia's hopes of becoming the nation's next tennis superstar.

As question marks remain over his behaviour, Djokovic believes Tomic must keep his steely mindset, then back it up with a commitment to be the best.

"He's still only 19 or 20 years old and he's already played in the quarter-finals of a grand slam and he's showed on several occasions when he plays in the big matches, that he has no fear," Djokovic said.

"He comes in, he knows what his mission is. I believe that's the right mindset.

"If he's confident at his age right now, it can sound over-confident. But I think he has to keep that kind of mentality.

"He has to believe he can achieve his hopes and his dreams.

"It has happened for me, so I know how he feels like.

"If he's committed enough to the sport, with the potential and talent he's got, I'm sure he can come to the top."

The Serbian expects Tomic to make an impact at Melbourne Park over the next fortnight.

"He's been playing great this year. He's showing some maturity on the court which I think is a great change for him," Djokovic said.

"Obviously he's got a lot of expectations because Australia is a country that nurtures a tennis tradition for a long time ... Australia has been producing big legends of the sport like Rod Laver and (Roy) Emerson.

"They're looking for someone who is going to follow up in the new generation. I think Bernard is right up there."

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